A Jewish Idea- Many Voices Many Ideas

*Democracy rests upon two pillars: one, the principle that all men are equally entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; and the other, the conviction that such equal opportunity will most advance civilization. –Louis Brandeis

*The law …must have a principle of growth. - Benjamin Cardozo

     The first two Jewish Supreme Court justices were Louis Brandeis and Benjamin Cardozo. Their touch is still felt in American society. On this eve of July 4, a date that represents a fundamental change in the method of governance for all humanity, we celebrate. Our American nation, comprised of many different voices, will only flourish when the rule of law operates. Disagreement and dissent must be appreciated and honored just as consensus and coherent argumentation.

     Logic must go hand in hand with passion.  Zealous argumentation must be wedded to the analysis of evidence. Only the union of the mind and the heart will yield a functioning judiciary, legislature and society.

     Our nation is a nation of 320 million people. In no way can we expect that all will agree. However, principles of justice must be held aloft as the ultimate to which we aspire.

      As our nation enters a new century, our Supreme Court offers a new understanding of marriage for those who have been deprived of understanding; an interpretation of marriage arising from a hitherto disadvantaged community within our nation and also accepted by ever more Americans. Some may disagree with the result. Change is hard. Growth is difficult. The journey emerges from discussion, a sharing of opinions, debate, personal struggle and internal turmoil. But, violence is not our way. The  integrated use of mind and heart is our American way.

     Let us all celebrate the process and the journey!

   Shalom.

     Rabbi Steve Silberman

Shabbat Thoughts- Community

The Death of 9 human beings, gathered in a church for Bible study and worship, screams out to me. Rage against the murderer threatens to overwhelm my heart and grief for the loss of life and the mourning families continually remains within me.  Too much suffering is part of our world, borne out of racism and hatred. Too much anguish has filled the lives of too many people because racist poison has infected too many who refuse to see each of us as a human being. 

     This upcoming Shabbat has been declared one of solidarity with the African American community in the wake of the mass killing in Emanuel AME Church. Congregational and community groups from across the entirety of Jewish life have called out to their members and beyond to offer special prayers of, for and with the African-American community. Horror over this massacre has touched us all and we must respond in a manner which brings healing and strength to all of us.

      I call out to all Shul members and friends, imploring you to join us for Shabbat services, both on Friday evening and Saturday morning. As a community, we Jews must stand in prayer, study, solidarity and hope with the African-American community, all citizens of the U.S.A. and indeed the entire world.

     Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, Orthodox and non- religious Jewish   community agencies are all calling out for us to take a stand as a united people! We must declare in our Jewish life that we will not tolerate cruelty, racism or bigotry. Intolerance has no place in our lives. All of us, Jews and Americans, must stand together!

     Parshat Chukat is read throughout the Jewish world on Saturday June 27^th (Shabbat of Solidarity). Our ancients, deeply concerned over the spiritual impact of one death upon any member of our nation, observed a very strange ritual. A red cow, entirely burned up and reduced to ashes, provided the basis of a potion to be sprinkled upon any Israelite who came in contact with death. Whether actually touching a family member or friend or even walking into a room wherein a dead person had been, the Israelite needed to be sprinkled by a ritual leader. Very Puzzling! I think that the red-brown cow, color of blood, symbolized the loss of life suffered. Every member of the community, no matter how removed, was affected by the death of one particular individual. Death within our community harms us all and we all need to be 'healed' or strengthened in the aftermath of death.

     We no longer burn cows or offer sacrifices, but we all are touched by the cloud of death which overhangs Charleston, S.C. We all need to assemble in prayer, searching for hope and demanding understanding of each other. Your presence this upcoming Shabat will prompt healing in our own community and will initiate a ripple effect outward, eventually touching Charleston and the families who were so violently assaulted.

     May we all bring support into our world in the Shabbat ahead and thereafter.

 Rabbi Steve Silberman

We remind the shul of the unveiling of the headstone of our long-term friend Melvin (Buddy) Stein on June 28^th at 9:30 A.M. at the shul cemetery. 

 We also remind the shul of the Memorial service for our long-term friend Helen Small at 2:00 P.M.at the Temple (gathering to offer support from 1:15 PM-2:00 PM and a Shiva Minyan at the Temple at6:00 PM on June 28^th) 

Shabbat Thoughts- Racism

Wickedness begins when one person is absolutely confident that he is the ultimate arbiter of morality. Yesterday, we all learned that a wicked person had taken it upon himself to murder nine human beings in a church in Charleston, S.C.  Gathered for prayer, study and fellowship these people, just like us, never could have anticipated that a savage animal, posing as a human being, would enter their sacred house of worship to terrorize them and ultimately rob them of life.

The wickedness of racism is the most insidious of all forms of wickedness. It takes root in the heart of people and feeds upon close-mindedness, prejudice and emotional myopia. The perpetrator, inferior within his own mind, seeks out “the other" as an object to ridicule, to demean and to hate in order to elevate himself. Racism, built upon insecurity, must be met head on with the only weapons powerful enough to defeat insecurity; confidence in our humanity, mutual respect and commitment to honor others.

 When all of us honor each other, regardless of skin color, socio-economic stratum or level of education, we are advancing against racism.

 When we set aside fear of somebody who looks or seems different and open our minds and hearts to the possibility that we can learn from him or her, we are advancing against racism.

 When each of us LISTENS to an employee, regardless of his or her background, and recognizes his or her value as a contributor to our work and our economy, we advance against racism.

        Tomorrow, we read from the Torah portion of Korach, describing the first and only uprising during the wilderness trek. Korach and 253 other "people of great renown and prestige" lambast Moses for assuming leadership and depriving others of opportunities to lead Israel. Korach charges Moses with being motivated by ego instead of a genuine desire to help Israel. The kicker is that Moses and Aaron both fall on their faces, a posture of worship and humility, and then call out for Korach to come to a meeting to discuss grievances and Korach and his cronies refuse to attend. (In the Parshah we read just two weeks ago Moses encouraged others to become leaders and to seek 'prophetic spirit').

 What drives Korach and his gang is known only to God.

 Perhaps he desires power, but Korach is already identified as a leader. Thirst for prestige? - He is a Levi. I might surmise that he could not accept his own inferiority (actual or perceived) and he therefore directed anger outwardly, towards Moses. What we do know is that Korach's outburst was destructive to human emotions and eventually to human life. Lack of respect for others and a refusal to learn from others will always lead to great loss as we see in this week's Parshah and in the city of Charleston. Torah, God’s own word, and our own modern life perspective intersect in demanding the very best of all behavior for everyone- respect.

**** We remind the shul of the unveiling of the headstone of our long-term friend Melvin (Buddy) Stein on June 28^th at 9:30 A.M. at the shul cemetery. ****

**** We also remind the shul of the Memorial service for our long-term friend Helen Small at 2:00 P.M. at the Temple (gathering to offer support from 1:15 PM-2:00 PM and a Shiva Minyan at the Temple at 6:00 PM on June 28^th) ****

 Shabbat Shalom,

 Rabbi Steve Silberman

Next Month Windows 10 and new browser Windows Edge will be released. Codes are being written for the website and there may be a few problems along the way. If you find anything or have a problem please contact me directly: Ahavaschesedmobile@gmail.com

David

Shabbat Thoughts- Tallit

     When Manette and I married, my life changed dramatically for the better. I was blessed with the best woman in the world. I also inherited a car, some furniture and household goods. Manette got me and student loans.

         For years, we and our children have shared many items including a favorite old quilt. Warm and luxurious, we have snuggled individually and in groups under this quilt for so many years that it has now lost some of its shape and become a bit lumpy. But, it is among the most comforting things we own. The rumples and the wrinkles and the inconsistent filling and batting tell a story of time. The years, now a generation, are part of this very special quilt. It holds us together and when we do not feel well, it comforts us. The fabric which dates back perhaps 40 years bears a special feel because of the many years during which it has held our hands, snuggled our toes, kept us warm and helped us to recuperate from a cold or flu.

         In tomorrow's Torah reading we learn of one of the oldest heirlooms ever transmitted from one millennium to another. Tying special strings and tassels on the corner of our garments originates in this week's Torah reading. Known to many Jews as Tallis or prayer shawl, the word Tallis means ‘garment’ and holds special tassels on its corners. Originally, it had nothing to do with prayer; it had everything to do with memory.

        “  Look at these strings in order that you remember that you are not like everyone else but you are part of a specific family dedicated to sacred purpose- to not allow your eyes to drift away from the path which you are supposed to follow. Do not allow your heart to entice you to do wrong. Remember that I am God who freed you from Egypt in order that you would never act like a slave again. Do not demean yourself by being a slave to your desires. Do not succumb to your lustful urges, exercise choice and be a free person, accepting responsibility for every decision you make.

And I am God charging you to make all the right choices every single day.”  (My interpretation of Numbers chapter 15).

         About 1,500 years ago when people no longer wore cloaks or tunics because clothing styles had changed, Jewish people invented an artificial rectangular garment (Tallit=garment) and attached the special tassels thereupon. Presto-chango-Tallit came to be. So now when I place a Tallis on my shoulders I am remembering the original expectation of God for my behavior which is 3,000 years old and I am also remembering the Jews who came before me who no longer wore a Tallis as a daily cloak. They went to extremes by creating a garment to which they could attach the tassels, under which they could snuggle and feel the warmth of God’s magnificent embrace. And as I place the tallit upon my shoulders, looking upon the strings which we call tzitzit I take comfort in the weight of generations upon my shoulders.

        You, too, are invited to feel the weight of 100 generations upon your shoulders. Come to shul and borrow a tallis from our tallit rack or better yet, acquire your own. If you already have one, pull your Tallit out of mothballs and say the Shema at home-no requirement to come to shul.  Cover your eyes and remind yourself that you are free and, consequently, deserving of exceptional and sacred behavior. Hold Tzitzit in your fingers and remember that no other people on the planet are thusly privileged. May we all sense the ties that bind us together.

                 

Shabbat shalom.

       Rabbi Steve Silberman

***Book Signing and Reception for Jon Mitchell, (Grandson of Arlene Mitchell) The event will take place on Wednesday, June 17^th at 7:00 PM at the synagogue. He is a new author and has written the book “In Real Life: Searching For Connection in High-Tech Times”.  Please RSVP to Shul Office 343-6010 or email Robin at office. (robin@ahavaschesed)

***Guitar Shabbat with Yehuda on the Bima-Next week-June 19 at 6:00 P.M. Come sing along with Yehuda! Oneg to follow!

***Check us out on Face book!! (Ahavas Chesed Synagogue)***

A Jewish Idea- As many positive consequences

Let’s call him “Edward”. You would like him. He’s the kind of man whom you would want to have as a friend. He’s kind and caring. In business, he is fair, honest and responsible; expecting others to be the same and to work to their fullest potential. As a businessman, he held people to a high standard. As a friend, his is a forgiving soul. He volunteers for our synagogue –always ready to lend a hand.

             Recently he became sick. While hospitalized and seemingly improving, other concerns materialized from nowhere. As days progressed, the fear increased. Now the family is deeply afraid. The doctors and nurses are doing everything they can. Questions and fear increase with very few answers in sight.

           We have all experienced this fear. We have all been summoned to hospitals, to stand by bedsides of loved ones, to embrace people in support and to weep in grief. Feeling powerless, we visit, hoping to console people who give meaning to our lives and to comfort those who have shared our years.

            Like you, I went to the hospital to offer support and prayer. Stepping into the elevator, a man recognized me. Years ago, he did some maintenance work for the synagogue. He had come to visit his sister “Mary”. The few moments shared in the quiet elevator were holy moments as he expressed his concern. He asked me to pray with them. Not even realizing, I stepped off the elevator with him and went to Mary’s room. He introduced me and I offered a simple prayer with strangers. The 5 minutes in Mary’s room didn’t take away from the sincerity of the prayer or my focus on Edward. Nothing was lost.

             Each of us has an opportunity to touch the lives of others. We may never know the effect of exiting an elevator on a floor different than our own or sharing a cup of coffee with someone in a work/school/hospital cafeteria. Five shared minutes can change a person’s day, a person’s attitude or even a person’s world view. We do not see the impact of our actions; how far-reaching are the consequences of a particular choice. Although we cannot know the ramifications, let us step forth on our daily journey with one goal; to introduce as many positive consequences into the world as we can.

             Every day let us improve the world- by being a bit more patient, a bit more understanding and a bit more open-minded than the day before. What do we have to lose?

             Shalom,

             Rabbi Steven Silberman

Shabbat Thoughts- The Buck stops here!

            Suspense novels have introduced us all to the now familiar abbreviation POTUS. Previously known only to high-ranking security personnel, we now know that this abbreviation stands for President of the United States. There is only one President; only one ultimate leader. In the words of Harry Truman “The buck stops here”. Ultimate responsibility and authority are borne by this leader.

        This week's Torah reading presents a different appreciation of leadership. We all know that Moses speaks to God the way that you and I speak with our neighbors so Moses is the ultimate leader. This Parsha details a sharing of authority between Moses and other people.  God speaks to Moses and says “I shall remove a portion of your authority and shall share it with the 70 elders of the nation.” Moses does not object. He does not see this step as a diminution of his own identity. Furthermore, the next paragraph in the Torah reinforces Moses’s humility.

        A young teenager hurriedly rushes to Moses and reports that two men are prophesying somewhere in the camp. Their names are Eldad and Maydad and they appear only in this one tiny section of the Bible. Joshua suggests that Moses quiet them. Moses responds by saying “Wouldn't it be great if everybody could be a prophet?”

        Of course, we all know that Moses is the supreme leader of Israel. However, the message presented in our Torah reading for this Shabbat is that a significant aspect of leadership is humility. A true leader is not threatened by the capacity to lead evidenced by someone else.

        Moses understands that true leadership emerges from honoring and respecting others. True authority is not reduced by showing dignity and esteem to others.

        May we all embrace a bit of Moses’s leadership style; being less concerned about promoting our own ego and more attuned to respecting others. As a result no one loses and we all gain.

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Steve Silberman

A Jewish Idea- Mitzvot

  

For 1,000 years our early morning prayer service has begun with this Talmudic passage; "These are the things for which a person gains benefit both in this world and in the world to come---

          Honoring father and mother, doing deeds of kindness, arriving early at the Study House both in the evening and morning, welcoming guests, visiting the ill, providing for a needy bride to enjoy her wedding, caring for the deceased, deep attention during prayer, bringing people to peaceful reconciliation, and the study of Torah equals them all."

          It is noteworthy that the large majority of these specific mitzvot are not ritual. Indeed, most Jewish people would call these mitzvot ethical or human-to-human mitzvot. Superficially, 7 of these behaviors do not appear to be linked to God at all. Why then does the Talmud teach that these mitzvot yield a future in the next world, called Afterlife or Olam HaBa? Because the performance of these mitzvot elevate the entire community, one person at a time, with both the doer and the unintended recipient of the action being transformed through these acts of caring. When we care enough about others to modify our behavior we change the world. In effect, we follow God's example of bringing order upon chaos. Just as God organized the universe in Beresheet (Genesis) so are we able to organize a chaotic world in which we dwell.Yet, these mitzvot are so obvious we would like to think that people would act thusly without being reminded to do so. And there are those people who would say "I can perform these deeds even without a belief in a personal God."

          What is it about these specific mitzvot that confer such significance upon the doer? Perhaps because these mitzvot usher a transcendent quality into our world and perhaps because these mitzvot are done selflessly, we can and still do transform our world through our treatment of each other and our utilization of our limited resources of time, money and energy. And perhaps these mitzvot stand out in the Talmud because though they are fairly simple to perform, they effect significant impact upon the lives of others.

           For the Jew who believes in God these mitzvot are a connection through the human realm to the Divine realm. For the questioning Jew, uncertain of a belief in a personal God, these mitzvoth bear true and Divine power, forging a connection to other people and cracking open the door to belief. Our recipe for entering an Afterlife starts with caring for others in a practical and concrete manner, which is the exact opposite of a belief in God or an Afterlife. Ironically, a lesson plan of Talmudic practicality has become a philosophical mantra, recited as a prayer. May we all make this mantra our own!

          

 Shalom,

Rabbi Steve Silberman